The youth who come to 180 Degrees’ Von Wald Group Home in Rochester, Minn., have already experienced a lot—from violence or other trauma at home, to experience with the juvenile justice system. The supportive, structured environment of the group home is essential to developing the skills they will need to navigate the rest of their lives.​Jae’s past is uniquely hers, but it is typical of the young people who come to Von Wald Group Home. Jae experienced violence at home and was a quick study; she learned to use violence to resolve her own conflicts, which led to a big incident—she assaulted her foster mother.

At Von Wald, Jae found people to support her through the ups and downs of everyday life. She developed coping skills and learned how to work through the hard days. And she wasn’t shy about acknowledging the staff let her know when she was out of line. After being at Von Wald for a few months, Jae began helping the younger and newer kids understand they were in a good place and the staff were there to support them.

A favorite activity of Von Wald residents—activities which include trips to the Y, visiting a nature center, and camping—is the indoor rock climbing at an area gym. On one of the rock climbing field trips, Jae conquered her fear of heights! It was no small accomplishment for her to reach the top of the climbing wall. Working through fears in a relatively safe setting is designed to help Jae face other day-to-day challenges life will bring her way.

The programming at Von Wald offers Jae and her fellow residents what kids have always needed: a safe environment, continuity, the opportunity to develop confidence and respect for themselves and others, and space to learn from their mistakes. From the initial intake assessment to completing their residency, the kids are given an appropriate degree of autonomy to work on certain aspects of their lives. Rick Sundberg, Von Wald Senior Program Manager, has noticed during his 30 years of working with youth that this approach supports engagement and builds decision-making skills. Youth learn to evaluate the benefits and consequences of their choices. They learn to persevere, just like Jae facing her fear of heights and climbing that wall.

180 Degrees’ Von Wald Group Home provides residential support services to youth ages 10 – 18 who are experiencing family conflict, behavior problems, school difficulties, or criminal activity.